Memphis Depay, the right choice

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf have been informed that Tottenham are preparing a £15.85 million (€20m) bid for Dutch World Cup winger Memphis Depay.

The paper say this has come from a 'very reliable source' which is a step up from our source, which often means a website on the Internet.

Naturally PSV Eindhoven want to keep hold of their 20-year-old promising talent suggesting he needs to stay another year for his development. The player meanwhile has told the club he wishes to leave this summer and will listen to any Tottenham offer.

"I did my time at PSV but if nice clubs from big leagues ask, of course I will think about it. There is lots of interest but it is an easy option to stay.

"I understand that fans want me to play well this season in Eindhoven, but ultimately I'm the one who decides how my career will look and no one else."

His name was brought to prominence before the World Cup and thus his appearances and goals against Australia and Chile were over played in the media, one was a simple tap-in from memory. Those words to The Sun however, show a single minded determination and if that is coupled with a desire to reach the top, then Tottenham have found a player with the right mindset to improve the club

That is further evidenced when you look at his words when his grandfather died.

“That man gave me a lot of strength and took great care of me.t that moment I thought to myself I’ve got to go for it. I know where I want to go, and that is the top.”

His grandfather was important because his parents split when he was 4 and he doesn't speak to his father.

Regular readers will know the importance of mental attitude in sport, it defines everything you do. Bringing people with the right mental approach, the approach of a winner and not just talented footballers to the club is essential for success, Depay seems just like the sort of player we should be seeking.

Having snapped up Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen from Ajax, Nacer Chadli signed from FC Twente, Tottenham feel the Eredivisie is perhaps under valued by other Premier League clubs and can demonstrate, especially with Vertonghen and Eriksen, the possibilities at White Hart Lane.

Christian Eriksen is another who has shown a single minded determination to improve his game putting in consistent extra work on the training ground by choice.

Mauricio Pochettino is laying a 4-2-3-1 system with the two defensive midfielders having creative passing ability. He is keen to see the ball moved from defence to attack far quicker than has been the case under Andre Villas-Boas. Behind the lone striker are three players who can all interchange with the striker, Eriksen and Lamela consistently have done so.

At present the first choice three are Aaron Lennon on the left, Christan Eriksen in the middle and Erik Lamela on the right. Both Lennon and Lamela play tucked in and drift into the middle. The left side of the three is an area highlighted that needs strengthening despite Lennon's very promising start there.

Southampton attacker Jay Rodriguez is the first choice to fill the role but it is unlikely he will arrive this window being injured and out until October t the very earliest, even then he has to get match fit, find confidence and form. Tottenham have therefore turned their attentions to Memphis Depay.

Manchester United, now managed by his former World Cup boss Louis Van Gaal, have him on a possibles list in they don't achieve their main targets. While Tottenham firm up their interest Manchester United will have to decide if they want him or not or wish to concentrate on their alternatives.

For me he is an upgrade on Nacer Chadli who has only shown a glimpse here and there, certainly nowhere near enough to be confident about him having a good season. He struggled to get game time during the World Cup and has only just returned to training.

There are reports that he has been offered to Southampton so Tottenham are happy to let him go and source a replacement. Last season the left side was a major weakness, we have strengthened at left-back and now are trying to strengthen our left sided attacking options.

Memphis Depay shown all the indications of being the right man for the role.